Tuesday, 17 November 1942 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

November 17 L.G. 98

No operational flying: "Oprep" No. 145No. 47245 LIEUT. WRIGHT who has been attached to No. 55 Sqdn., R.A.F. for some time, is posted to that Squadron. Five of our artisans left by air for TOBRUK where they will be engaged for some weeks on salvaging Ju. 52's and spares. General THERON, Brigadier HORNE and Colonel HINGESTON were flown by our aircraft to the forward areas.

Transcriber's Notes

LIEUT: Lieutenant
R.A.F: Royal Air Force.

* "Service Outside of Africa" (The Blue Oath): The opening text refers to the critical administrative process of re-attestation. South African volunteers had originally sworn to serve only on the African continent (the "Red Oath"). With the Axis forces retreating rapidly and an invasion of Europe (Sicily/Italy) looming, the Union Defence Force needed soldiers to sign the new "General Service Oath" (the "Blue Oath") to serve legally outside Africa.

This transport role reflects the utility of the Baltimore as a fast liaison aircraft when not bombing.